Some Google Fi SIM cards failed due to manufacturing issue

Google Fi Wireless today acknowledged an issue with SIM cards failing for some customers. 

In an email to impacted subscribers today, Google said it “recently discovered that certain SIM cards have been failing due to a manufacturing issue.” (My card is several years old and did not have the issue.)

This manifested as users seeing an “Insert SIM card” error message from Android even if they hadn’t removed anything. Some would encounter this issue again after getting a new SIM and have gone through several cards.

Google is reaching out to those that had issues in the past and/or are using an impacted SIM card. There are reports of those in the former camp getting a $60 service/bill credit to their account. 

Google has “resolved” the manufacturing issue and says “new SIM cards should work as expected.” If you get this email, it’s recommended that you move “to a new SIM to avoid an unexpected failure.”

An eSIM is recommended (and what people that had this issue ended up doing), but Google Fi is also letting you order — especially for older devices — a new SIM card with expedited shipping for free. More on Google Fi:

• Google Fi waiting on Apple to enable RCS for iPhone users
• Google Fi rolls out new ‘line separation in case of domestic abuse’ process
• Google Fi’s new ‘Number Lock’ protects against SIM swaps